Al-Ittihad Sign Wijnaldum on Free Transfer

Al-Ittihad has completed the signing of Dutch midfielder Georginio Wijnaldum on a free transfer, after his contract with Al-Ettifaq expired. The club announced the move in early September 2026, during the final hours of the summer transfer window, with no transfer fee paid.

the agreement covers "one sporting season" — corresponding to the 2026–27 campaign — with the initial contract running until around 30 June 2027. Football reports indicate the deal also carries an option to extend for an additional year.

As a free transfer, financial terms such as any sign-on bonus, monthly salary, and performance-related bonuses were agreed directly between the club and the player. No reliable public figures currently specify the exact amounts in Saudi Riyal for the 2026–27 season.

Why it matters

Al-Ittihad announced the signing through its official media channels, including its social media accounts and website, publishing visual material alongside the Arabic statement confirming Wijnaldum's arrival for one sporting season. The Roshn Saudi League 2026–27 is already underway.

For a foreign professional like Wijnaldum, club-side formalities in Saudi Arabia typically include issuing or transferring an Iqama linked to the club as employer, and registering the employment contract within the electronic systems used by the league and relevant authorities. These federation and league registration platforms are handled internally by club administrative departments and player agents, rather than through public self-service portals used by individuals or ordinary businesses. The signing adds further experience to Al-Ittihad's midfield as the club competes across a demanding domestic season.

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